How to Clean Fish

There are many activities that make life enjoyable, and for many families, camping is at the top of the list. When you go camping with your family, it can really form bonds that will last for a lifetime and create memories that will never be forgotten. That is especially true as far as the activities are concerned, and fishing is one that should not be left out of the mix.

Many campgrounds offer easy access to areas where you can fish, sometimes even without the need for a fishing license. They may stock those local streams and lakes, making it easier for you to catch fish. Once you catch them, you will need to learn how to clean them. After all, there is nothing quite like eating a fish you just caught at your campsite.

The first step is to gut the fish. A fillet knife or other sharp knife can be inserted in the belly of the fish near the tail. Pull the knife up toward the head, splitting the fish at that point until you get to the base of the gills.

Once the belly of the fish has been cut open, you can spread the two sides with your fingers and clean out the innards. The cavity should then be rinsed thoroughly, either with a hose at the cleaning location or perhaps in the stream if another source of water is not available. The head can be removed at that point.

You can then flip the fish over to fillet it and remove the meat from the bone and/or skin it by running the sharp edge of the knife between the meat and the skin. At this point, the fish will be ready to cook and all you have to do from that point forward is enjoy a tasty meal.